Fuengirola

Why visit: A great mix of Spaniards, Nordics, Brits and people from all over the world. Actually quite a nice city with plenty of charming squares (plazas), and cozy restaurants. I was very surprised how pleasant the town was when I visited it and I am planning on visiting it soon again.

Getting there: Fly direct to Malaga and take a train or bus for the 25 km journey — under an hour to Fuengirola.

When to visit: Fuengirola has a Mediterranean climate, so the best time to travel is spring or autumn, though winters are mild and sunny — about 1–2°C warmer than Barcelona. I’d recommend avoiding July–August when it’s extremely hot, and September too if you struggle with the heat. Read more: Best Time to Visit Spain.

Note: Fuengirola has a remarkably large Finnish community, which can be a big plus or minus depending on your preferences. If needed, you can get by speaking Finnish in Fuengirola.

Similar destinations: Benalmádena

Most Interesting Areas in Fuengirola

Los Boliches: Probably the most popular area in Fuengirola, packed with restaurants, bars, and a large sandy beach. A charming spot that’s especially lively in the evenings. It’s easy to extend dinner into a longer night out.

Los Pacos: A residential area favoured by Finns, near Los Boliches. Medical centre, hardware store, and other services alongside the Finnish school.

Carvajal: Plenty of beautiful beaches and services — restaurants, bars, and rental spots for bikes or water sports gear. Especially popular in summer.

Sohail Castle: An old castle with a museum. Magnificent historical artefacts and stunning sea views. Free entry.

Parque de la Paloma: A large park with space to walk and relax. Great for jogging, cycling, and children’s playgrounds.

Getting Around Fuengirola

Walking: Walking is the best way to get around the centre.

Taxi: Plenty of taxis, affordable — flag one from the street (green roof light = available).

Public transport: Trains and buses run well.

Scooter or e-scooter: Handy in a smaller town, though e-scooters struggle with some hills.

Food & Drink in Fuengirola

Sukiyaki — Japanese Buffet (Chinese-run)
Pleasant place with friendly staff. Order 5 dishes per person every 10 minutes via tablet — sometimes a robot delivers! The sushi was surprisingly good and some dishes even excellent.

Sawasdee — Thai Delicacies
Good Thai restaurants in Spain are rare, but my noodle dish was authentic and excellent. The restaurant looked like other Paseo Marítimo spots, but I came for the food.

Asian Fusion 365 — Diverse Asian Cuisine
Diverse food from across Asia. Quality ingredients, top-notch dishes, and a relaxed terrace atmosphere.

Burro — Casual & Stylish Italian
Located on the pleasant Plaza de la Constitución. The food at this chain’s restaurants has always been delicious. I especially recommend the risottos.

Sky Bar Hotel El Puerto — Stunning Views
Nearly 360-degree views over Fuengirola from this rooftop bar at reasonable prices. Don’t be deterred by the “guests only” sign on the terrace.

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